The Final Graduation

Leader Training Course Regt. 6 cadets were given a just reward for their efforts at Cadet Summer Training. One day before graduation, they were able to spend time with families and reflect on what they have learned at LTC.

LTC Regt. 6 is the last group of cadets to experience CST for 2014. These cadets mark the end of Army ROTC summer training where over 7,000 cadets particpated.

The Patton Museum serves as the host building for the Family Day event, where the long and distinguished history of Patton is showcased for the public to enjoy.

LTC Regt. 6 cadets toured the museum before parents arrived and reflected on time at Fort Knox.

Michael Brown, ROTC cadet at Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, Mi., said the journey to LTC graduation was long, but definitely worth the effort.

“It is definitely time to go,” Brown said. “The time here was great. I learned a lot, but the most important thing was to keep a good attitude. Positive words can go a long way and negative words can be infectious. That is just one thing that go a long way when being a leader.”

Roderick Macintyre, ROTC cadet at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, said family is a part of life he is most excited to get back to after graduation.

“I am ready to get back to my own routine and spend time with family,” Macintyre said. “The time here was all about new experiences. My biggest takeaway from CST was how important structure is and keeping organized on a day to day basis. Good discipline will take you a long way at LTC.”

General Patton once said trying to lead men from behind makes you a driver and not a leader. It is easier to lead men just as it is easier to pull a chain.

Trent Wilson, ROTC cadet at Utah Valley University in Orem, said the host of skills you gain from LTC was great, but he is most happy with the extensive leadership training.

“You learn how important it is to set an example for your peers and those you are leading,” Wilson said. “When you hold yourself to a higher standard and act on that every day, others feed off of that and everyone improves.”

After spending time in the museum, the families of cadets started to arrive. The excitement on the faces of families were evident as they hugged their soon-to-graduate cadets.

Jonathan Wynne, ROTC cadet at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, said seeing family is what he is looking forward to the most.

“I am looking forward to sitting in my own chair and taking as long as I want with my family,” Wynne said. “I learned discipline and did my best to be confident in my decision making. I will graduate tomorrow. Then I get to spend time seeing the family.”